Firefighters battled a blaze that ripped through a number of homes on an Oldham street yesterday for hours, and  killed one and saw dozens evacuated.

At approximately 4pm yesterday (Saturday, June 24), emergency services were called to Saint Thomas Street North after reports of a house fire.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), including an air ambulance, assembled on the scene and a large cordon was put in place.

Members of the public reportedly saw a "rush of police and ambulances" in the area, including a helicopter which landed at Werneth Cricket Club.

Neighbours were then evacuated from the street and adjacent streets were closed off.

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Residents in the vicinity were told to keep their windows closed and were warned to avoid the area.

In a statement a the time, GMFRS confirmed six fire appliances from across Greater Manchester were in attendance and were using jets, hose reels, breathing apparatus and a turntable ladder to extinguish the fire.

Photographs and video footage of the incident further show how quickly the fire spread as black smoke filled the air.

The images also show firefighters were battling the blaze on the terraced roofs of at least three properties.

More than five hours later, it was then announced a woman had died in the fire.

The fire service said: "Despite the best efforts of first responders, a 42-year-old woman sadly died at the scene.

"Her next of kin has been informed."

As of 11pm, operations were scaled back but three fire engines and a turntable ladder remained at the scene overnight where fire crews monitored the situation to ensure there was no further spread of the fire.

GMFRS also said road closures are still in place and all of the residents who have been evacuated as a result of the fire have been offered alternative accommodation by Oldham Council. 

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: "On behalf of Oldham Council, I send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the woman who lost her life in a house fire in Werneth earlier today.

"Council officers remain at the scene supporting fire and police staff and also at the Honeywell Centre supporting local residents who have been evacuated from their homes.

"I also send thanks to the brave Fire and Rescue and Greater Manchester Police teams who responded to this tragic incident."

The officer in charge of the incident, GMFRS group manager for Bolton and Wigan, Jean-Pierre Helliwell, also said: “The thoughts and deepest condolences of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with the family, friends and loved ones.

"We’re incredibly saddened by the news.

“I’d also like to thank Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and our other partner agencies for their continued help.”

Greater Manchester Police has also confirmed it is enquiring to establish the cause of the fire.

GMP Chief Inspector Robert MacGregor added: “On behalf of GMP, I send condolences to the loved ones of the woman who has sadly died.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and they will be kept updated.

“A number of residents remain displaced from their homes but have been provided with alternative accommodation by Oldham Council.

"We are working with partner agencies to get them back into their homes as safely and soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting 2564 of June 24 or gmp.police.uk.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.